Finding Your Way With Telepresence
Telepresence Technologies
By Administrator
First published on November 3, 2024. Last updated on June 19, 2025.
There are several types of technologies that enable telepresence. They fall into three major categories: input/output, telecommunications and controls. Input/output devices include those which most people are familiar.
Sensor Technologies
Since there have been many books written on various sensor technologies, only a high level survey will be provided here.
Microphones and Speakers
Microphones and audio speakers are one of the earliest categories of technologies used for telepresence to transmit remote sensations. Microphones are used for audio inputs.
Speakers are used for people to hear the audio sensations collected by microphones. If sufficiently powerful, speakers can also be used for tactile use to feel transmitted vibrations.
Camera
Cameras are used for visual inputs. Projectors are used for visual outputs and speakers are used for audio outputs. There are many varieties of these.
Others
However, there are other input/output technologies. For example sonic sensors can perceive distance that can be expressed via audio “pings”. Haptic technologies can perceive and render tactile sensations.
Manipulative and Operational Technologies
Electrical-mechanical appendages can both sense remote environments and create change in them. Such appendages can grip and hold objects or manipulate objects. They can be used to perform delicate surgical operations or bulk movement of materials.